Page:The Castle of Wolfenbach - Parsons - 1854.djvu/60

 favours, obligations, and such kind of stuff, as I have an utter aversion to."

By this time they were arrived at the hotel, and the Marchioness led her young friend to the saloon, where the Marquis sat expecting them. "Here, my lord, permit me to introduce to you my younger sister; I bespeak your affection for her, and think you will find no difficulty in bestowing it." "You judge right my beloved Charlotte: your sister claims a double share of my esteem from her own merit, legible in her countenance and your introduction. Having saluted and led her to a chair: I am charmed (added he) that our dear Victoria has procured us such a delightful companion; she must have sacrificed a great deal to give us pleasure, in losing your society." Matilda, unable any longer to repress her feelings, burst into tears. Both were alarmed; the Marchioness, taking her hand, "Dear MisMiss [sic] Weimar, you have something on your spirits; tell me, pray tell me, did you leave my sister well? you have I think avoided mentioning her." "Ah! madam, (she replied) I am very unfortunate that my introduction to you must occasion pain and sorrow; yet I trust the dear lady will be the care of Providence, though alas! I know not where she is." "Not know where she is? (exclaimed the Marchioness) good heavens! has she then left the castle?" Matilda then entered into a detail of every event that had happened at the castle, the death of the attendant, and the absence of the Countess. Perceiving the agitation and distress of her auditors, she added, "I have little doubt of the poor lady's safety, from a persuasion that if any ill was intended towards her, they would have destroyed her, as well as the servant." "You judge very properly, my dear Miss Weimar: be comforted, my Charlotte; your friend's observation is founded on truth and reason; I hope, e'er long we shall hear from the injured sufferer, or else (said he, raising his voice) by heavens! neither oaths nor promises shall prevent me from publicly calling on the Count to produce her." This threat